Research Objective

• The objective of this study was to assess the effects of increased canola oil intake together with increased plant protein foods in a Mediterranean type diet (Canola-Med diet) on:
  • The reduction of carbohydrate consumption 
  • Maximizing weight loss
  • Improving glycemic control 
  • Reducing cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes

Project Description

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of increased canola oil intake together with increased plant protein foods in a Mediterranean type diet to reduce carbohydrate consumption and maximize weight loss, improve glycemic control and reduce cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes.  A randomized controlled study was undertaken and planned recruitment was for 150 otherwise healthy type 2 diabetic men and women. 

The results of this study were very encouraging and highlighted the health benefits of canola oil within the context of a healthy Mediterranean diet.  The results obtained with the Canola-Med diet were highly significant, both statistically and clinically, with dramatic improvements in major cardiometabolic risk factors (body weight, markers of glycemic control, blood lipids and blood pressure) and was as effective as the standard of care, the DASH diet. The study will promote the important findings on the health benefits of canola, through media outreach and presentation of the findings to health professionals.